The announcement of his next book, Half Girlfriend, has sparked off plenty of interest online even before it has reached the stores.

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The announcement of his next book, Half Girlfriend, has sparked off plenty of interest online even before it has reached the stores.

And now, author Chetan Bhagat has decided to turn producer with the film adaptation of the book which will be directed and co-produced by Mohit Suri.

Confirming the same, Chetan told a Mumbai-based tabloid, “I’ve been very lucky as far as the film adaptations of my books go, now it is time for me to make the transition.”

He points out that as a producer he will have more creative control over the filmmaking process.

“Right from the pre-production to shooting and marketing the film, I will be completely involved in every aspect and this will enable me to take decisions outside of my writing,” he explains.

Does that mean he will also be producing movies based on others’ books? “Right now, the priority is Half Girlfriend. The book isn’t even out yet. Depending on the response and my experience as a first time producer, I will take a call on future projects. I’m lucky to have found a partner and director in Mohit whom everybody is chasing right now,” he smiles.

Mohit added that he was moved to tears while reading the manuscript and immediately called Chetan. “The love story sealed the deal for us,” he says. “The film will be set in Bihar, Delhi and New York. We’ll begin working on it after I am done with my current commitments.”